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Bison keep on building to higher hoops expectations
McCOOK, Neb. — How could anyone complain about 60 percent shooting from two-point range, seven minutes of shutout defense and some boys’ hair flowing like extra-extra chocolate cake frosting?
Good coaches can always find ways to smooth out play like their own superbly shiny domes.
Especially when they know their talented team can win — which McCook High’s did again, 69-44, over Broken Bow Tuesday night.
“In the first half, we gave up waaaay too points helping when we shouldn’t be helping and they (Bow) were getting out kickout threes,” Bison coach Joe Imus said. “That’s something we probably need to work on in practice.”
The Bison (7-3 record) finished a 17-9 first when junior Brody Graham buried a classic buzzer-beating trifecta.
Yet the visiting Indians (3-6) didn’t flinch and nearly matched McCook at 19-18 through those next eight minutes.
“We really didn’t shoot well in the first half,” Imus explained though his team still led 36-27.
“But in the end, I think we think we just wore them down playing nine to their seven.”
McCook drilled six three-pointers from five different players, including senior Jonathan Patel during his double-double performance featuring 15 points 12 rebounds.
Sophomore Tripp Raile had to tire the visitors as he swiped five steals helping ignite his game-high 18 points.
Plus that Bison defense literally shut out Broken Bow through most of the final quarter.
“We allowed no points for seven minutes...than nine in the last minute,” Imus observed. “So we still need to finish better. Granted, the game was over, but we need that mindset. If we’re up nine with a minute to go, that could make the difference.”
The Bison move on for another home game vs. Gothenburg Friday night. They’ll follow the girls’ varsity contest scheduled at 6 p.m.